Skin cancer can be a deadly condition, but when caught early, the chances of survival are very high. One of the best tools in a dermatologist’s arsenal for catching skin cancer early is the full-body skin exam. At Affiliated Dermatology, we recommend everyone is examined once a year. Many of our patients have questions about what’s involved in a skin exam, so we’ve put together this guide to help you better understand the process.
What is a Full-Body Skin Exam?
A full-body skin exam is a comprehensive examination of the skin. A dermatologist or other healthcare provider will look over your entire body to check for signs of skin cancer or other skin conditions. This visual inspection of your skin will thoroughly cover often neglected areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and between the toes. Because of the importance of catching skin cancer early, a full-body skin exam can make a crucial difference in health outcomes. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. This is especially true for melanoma, which is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer. During a thorough full-body skin exam, skin cancer isn’t the only ailment that can be detected. Eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections can also be identified during the exam. Although these conditions are much less serious than skin cancer, early detection and treatment still lead to the best outcome.Why Does Your Doctor Do a Full-Body Skin Exam?
Despite being a deadly form of cancer, the odds of surviving melanoma are extremely good if it’s caught early enough. The same is true for other skin cancers. Therefore, the most common reason for a full-body exam is to detect and treat the cancers early. Some conditions, such as actinic keratosis, can be precursors to cancer. Actinic keratosis causes the skin to become scaly after prolonged exposure to the sun. Catching these types of conditions before they become cancer can stave off the threat entirely. Annual full-body skin exams also give your dermatologist a complete picture of how your skin’s health has changed. By tracking these changes, doctors can better understand your skin’s overall condition and make more informed decisions regarding treatments. Although everyone should be examined once a year, it’s especially important for those with the following risk factors:- History of unusual moles
- Tanning bed use
- More than 50 moles
- A suspicious-looking mole
- Blonde or red hair
- Light eye color
- Skin that freckles or sunburns easily
- Family history of melanoma
- Personal history of sunburns
